Zenith

Despite the recent heat here in Vienna Miss R and myself did not pause to bring another rarely seen watch - the Zenith El Primero ChronoMaster Terra , a special edition limited to the Austria/Central & Eastern European market: 

Let's a bit into detail (who would refuse?): First of all - declaration: I am no fan of open-worked dials! - I find that the earthen colour scheme imbues some restraint and balance to the dial. All elements look so much better integrated, with the aperture being a bit relegated from the frontline:

I also think that the purple colour of the silicon escapement parts get much more attention here:

Fascinating sight, very much 'open-worked' (from the right angle of view, that is):

The image above already hints it a bit. The combination of colours lends a particular attention to the difference surface finishings. From the outer ring we see two different circular brushings contrasted with the central sunburst pattern: 




Also the printing stands out (pun intended) with its splendid use of paint but yet very precise application.

All these elements concentrated in the subdials, spiced up with slight 3D effect: 

Overall I am quite impressed with the significant effect achieved with the simple modification of the colour concept. This subtlety is not obvious and requires some del understanding of the effects of shapes, surfaces and colours concentrated in the relatively tiny area of a watch dial.

This alone does not tick me over in favour of this watch, but I know a bit more ;-) ... be patient!

Now, lets appreciate the back side. On our way there I think the case side with the pushers warrants some attention, too:

Red gold crown and pushers - an appealing extension from the dial concept over to the back. Particularly the pushers are well executed, with the brushed ring at their head. Another detail I like to the small recess beneath the crown which helps operating it for setting time and date.

More by accident I also managed to 'shed some light' in to the watch's water resistance - literally!

Flipping it by the full 180° - a known (but very much welcome) sight:

The real test for any watch is its presence on the wrist. I cannot complain:

What strikes me the most is the sexiness of the dial. There is a fantastic equilibrium, reapplied through the arrangement of the various indications and openings. Somehow this reveals itself only when worn... 

There is one aspect that might rewards some attention by the designers: I have the feeling that the combination of hands and hour indices could be more delicate. Both have - appreciated as a whole - too much 'pop' for my taste.

Overall a very, very tempting addition to the flock of Austrian/CEE special editions. This type of watches is what I would love to see more often - listen Zenith!

Thanks for watching,

Magnus

 

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